Registering Puppies in Berlin
In Berlin, trading dogs under 1 year of age is highly regulated. According to the law, any change of ownership must be supervised by a professional or organization holding a Paragraf §11 permit.
For many well-meaning dog owners trying to abide by local rules, receiving a stern letter out of the blue can come as a shock.
Typically, the Finanzamt reaches out after you register your puppy for dog tax, demanding documentation of your dogs' origins. If the Paragraf §11 permit is not presented among the paperwork, or cannot be attributed to the organization or individual which transferred your dog's ownership, you can expect to be confronted with a fine and the threat of your dog being repossessed.
In what circumstances does trouble usually appear?
- When puppies are adopted or purchased from outside of Germany (regardless of whether it comes from a professional breeder or rescue organization).
- When puppies are acquired inside of Germany from a private individual (think "Oops litter" or backyard breeding).
What is the Paragraf §11 Permit?
This permit is mandatory for anyone who works with animals in a commercial context, e.g. rescue organizations, trainers, dog schools, pet sitters, pet day care, catteries, breeders. The permit can be obtained by submitting supporting paperwork (according to your profession) to the Veterinäramt.
- Some registered and ethical breeders may not be able to obtain the permit due to capacity being below the threshold of what is considered commercial (i.e. at least 4 females actively in breeding).
- It is not possible for people or organizations based outside of Germany to receive this permit.
I got the Letter: What Do I Do?
- Reach out to the nearest organization that would hold the Paragraf §11 permit (veterinary clinics, the Berlin Tierheim, registered German rescue organizations).
- Explain your situation and bring all your available documentation (including the letter from the Finanzamt).
- Usually, the organization will offer to "broker" the transfer of ownership, which makes the arrangement legal.
- Respond to the Finanzamt letter detailing the new compliant Berlin arrangement (e.g. via rescue organization or vet clinic).
- Pay the fine (some community members shared that they had to pay €50).
